In Nairobi, despite most fuel stations remaining open, owners say they are uncertain whether fuel will be available by the end of the week or whether prices will remain stable.
Long queues and extended waiting times have been witnessed at fuel stations across the country, as many towns grapple with a growing shortage, forcing some stations to shut down due to lack of supply.
In Nyamira town, residents are lining up for hours in search of the limited fuel available, with the shortage reported since Monday.
“I have looked for fuel in many places until here. No petrol station had fuel. This one has just received some now, earlier there was none,” said Joshua Omasire, a resident of Nyamira.
In Central Kenya, the situation is worsening, with a major shortage reported in towns including Kerugoya, Embu, and Nanyuki. Residents are spending long hours in queues searching for the little fuel available, while many stations remain closed.
“Here in Kagumo there is no fuel. This queue you see is because there is no fuel, people are just waiting,” said Boniface Mwaura, a resident of Kagumo.
In Western Kenya, a similar situation is unfolding in towns such as Bungoma and Kakamega. Many stations remain closed, while those with fuel are experiencing long queues, with some raising prices.
“In Bungoma there is no fuel. Everywhere is closed, and where it is available, the price has gone up,” said Micha Nakhokho, a resident of Bungoma.
“Petrol stations here have closed. The government should tell us the truth. Where is the fuel? As a PSV driver, you go to every station and find none. You get stranded with passengers and have to send someone on a motorcycle to look for fuel,” said Elija Omwenga, a PSV driver in Kakamega.
In Kericho County, Litein town, most fuel stations are closed, leaving only one operational station overwhelmed by demand.
“We go to every petrol station and find no fuel. The President should intervene, because if fuel runs out, prices will rise and Kenyans will suffer,” said Geoffrey Cheruyot, a resident of Litein.
In Nairobi, despite fuel stations continuing to operate, there are fears of a worsening shortage. Station owners are uncertain of supply in the coming days and cannot guarantee price stability.
“In Nairobi the signs are clear. People are buying fuel to store. If we run out, even us we will increase prices,” said James Lukumai, a boda boda operator in Nairobi.
Transport operators warn fare hikes are imminent as they struggle to access fuel. They want the government to explain whether there is a shortage or hoarding of fuel.
“The government says there is enough fuel—where is it? Let it be given to suppliers, and if prices will go up, they should tell us the truth,” said Simeon Nyakundi, a resident of Nyamira.
“This government is misleading Kenyans. What we want is fuel and lower prices. What has this government done for us?” asked Job Wangila, a resident of Bungoma.
As uncertainty grows, pressure is mounting on authorities to address the crisis.
